From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

The unusual treat here is seeing Iceland’s volcanic ground from horseback. You ride across dark lava fields and green hillsides on an Icelandic horse, a breed famous for its calm nature and smooth tölt gait. The setting is only about 20 minutes from Reykjavík, yet it feels far removed from the capital.

I like the care given to first-time riders, and I like that the horses are matched to each person’s needs. The provided overalls, rain gear, boots, and helmets are also a major help in Iceland’s changeable weather. The main consideration is that this is a fairly gentle trail ride, not a long wilderness expedition, and snow or poor weather can hide some of the lava formations.

Icelandic Horse Riding Tour: Key Points

• Ride through volcanic terrain: Follow established paths across lava fields near Hafnarfjörður.
• Try the tölt: Confident riders may experience the Icelandic horse’s distinctive smooth gait.
• Good for beginners: Calm horses, patient instruction, and separate riding groups help new riders feel secure.
• Gear is supplied: Helmets, rubber boots, warm clothing, and rainwear are available at the stables.
• Pickup is optional: You can meet at Íshestar or arrange transport from selected Reykjavík hotels and guesthouses.
• A short outing with real scenery: The riding lasts about 1.5 hours, with the full activity taking roughly 2 to 4 hours depending on transport.

Riding Across Iceland’s Lava Fields

This tour gives you a close look at Iceland’s volcanic character without sending you far from Reykjavík. From Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður, the trail leads across old lava fields and beside green hillsides. The contrast is striking: black and gray rock, soft moss and grass, and small plants pushing through ground shaped by past eruptions.

You are not simply sitting on a horse for a quick photo. The ride follows proper paths through the area, with guides directing the group and pointing out rock formations, plants, and local wildlife. The scenery changes with the weather. On a clear day, the lava’s texture is easy to see. In snow, the ground becomes softer and more mysterious, though some rock detail disappears.

The trail ride lasts about 1.5 hours. That is long enough to settle into the saddle and enjoy the surroundings, but short enough for a first riding experience. If you have spent years in the saddle, you may find the pace restrained. For most people visiting Reykjavík, the short format is useful because it leaves room for other plans.

Why Icelandic Horses Make This Ride Special

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy animals with a reputation for being friendly and steady. Their size can make them less intimidating for children and nervous beginners, though you still need to be comfortable around horses and able to mount without assistance.

The special feature is the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses. It can feel more comfortable than a regular trot because the movement is less bouncy. You should not assume every rider will spend the whole outing at a tölt. The pace depends on the group, trail conditions, and your riding ability.

Groups may be divided by confidence or experience. Beginners can remain in a slower group, while more experienced riders may have the chance to trot or try the tölt. That split is important. It keeps the ride calmer for people who have never ridden while giving capable riders a little more movement.

The horses are a central part of the appeal. The stables take care to select horses suited to individual riders, and the staff place strong emphasis on safety. You will have time to meet your horse and receive help before setting out, rather than being rushed straight into the saddle.

Starting at Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður

You can meet the tour at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, or choose an optional transfer from Reykjavík. The drive from the capital to the stables takes about 20 minutes in normal conditions, though the full pickup process takes longer because several locations may be involved.

Pickup begins 60 minutes before the riding time. For the 10:00 AM tour, pickup is at 9:00 AM. For the 2:00 PM tour, pickup is at 1:00 PM. Transport is available from hotels and main guesthouses, not directly from private apartments. If you stay in a private flat, the company will provide the nearest pickup point by email.

The stable complex has changing facilities and storage boxes for valuables. You cannot take backpacks or bags on the ride, so keep what you need small and store the rest before mounting. This is a minor detail, but it is worth planning for if you have a camera, phone, or extra clothing.

Finding the riding area may take a little attention because signage can be limited. If you drive yourself, allow time to locate Íshestar rather than arriving at the last minute. Meeting at the stable gives you more control over timing, while pickup is easier if you do not have a car.

Getting Dressed for Icelandic Weather

Iceland does not require a sunny forecast to make this ride worthwhile, but you do need the right layers. Íshestar provides warm overalls, rainwear, helmets, and rubber boots in suitable sizes. This is one of the tour’s practical strengths, especially for visitors who did not pack riding clothes.

Wear comfortable clothing underneath the outer gear. Gloves and warm layers are still sensible, since wind can make a short ride feel cold. The supplied clothing is designed to protect you from wet and chilly conditions, not to replace basic preparation.

There is an important biosecurity rule for anyone bringing riding gear into Iceland. Riding boots, trousers, jackets, gloves, hats, and similar equipment must be washed at 40 degrees Celsius, dry cleaned, or disinfected before arrival. Used leather gear may not be brought into the country. In most cases, using the stable’s equipment is simpler.

The weather can alter what you see. Rain may soften the colors and make the lava darker. Snow can create a striking scene, but it may cover the rock formations that are part of the tour’s focus. The horses continue to provide the main experience in either case.

What the 1.5-Hour Ride Feels Like

Before leaving, staff help you with gear and explain the basic procedures. You receive a helmet and are matched with a horse. Guides stay attentive to the group, help riders mount, and keep an eye on spacing along the trail.

The ride itself moves through lava fields and green hillsides. Guides explain the area and the Icelandic horses as you go. A guide named Sonya has been specifically noted for sharing the history of the horses at the company, which adds useful context to the ride.

For a beginner, the horse’s steady nature is reassuring. The animals generally follow the group, and the guides provide clear support. You still need to pay attention, follow instructions, and sit comfortably in the saddle. This is not a passive sightseeing bus. You are responsible for helping your horse and staying aware of the trail.

The riding pace can be adjusted by experience. New riders can stay with the slower group. More confident riders may be allowed to trot or experience the tölt when conditions permit. That arrangement makes the outing suitable for a family or mixed group with different riding backgrounds.

Photography is possible, but you cannot carry a backpack on the trail. Staff may take photos during the ride, which is helpful if you want a record without trying to manage a camera from horseback. Do not expect a guaranteed professional photo package unless it is specifically included in your booking details.

The Facilities and Staff Matter

A horse-riding tour can be judged by the trail, but the stable operation matters just as much. Íshestar has changing rooms, riding gear, safety equipment, and staff who focus on matching horses to riders. These details reduce the stress that often comes with trying a new outdoor activity in unfamiliar weather.

The horses are described as well cared for, calm, and friendly. That is especially important for children and beginners. You should still remember that these are living animals, not amusement-park props. Listen closely to the stable staff, give the horses space, and follow the rules around feeding and handling.

The guides are a strong part of the outing. They assist before the ride, keep the group together, and answer questions about the horses and the surrounding area. Several guides have been praised for being patient with inexperienced riders and for making people feel safe without making the activity feel dull.

The setting also makes the facilities useful beyond the saddle. Íshestar’s grounds are arranged for riding and other outdoor activities, with the lava area immediately around the stables. You are not spending most of the day traveling to reach the trail.

Is the $141 Price Good Value?

At $141 per person, this is not a bargain activity. Still, the price includes the riding session, helmet, rubber boots, warm clothing or rain gear, and English-language guidance. German and Icelandic guidance is also available, with German requested in advance.

The optional transfer affects the value. If you need hotel pickup, the added convenience can be worthwhile, especially in winter or if you do not have a rental car. If you can reach Hafnarfjörður easily, meeting at Íshestar may keep the cost lower and give you more control over your schedule.

You are paying for more than the time in the saddle. The price also covers a managed stable operation, horse matching, safety support, clothing, and access to a trail area close to Reykjavík. For a first Icelandic riding experience, that package is reasonable. Experienced riders looking for a long, fast ride may find the cost harder to justify because the trail time is only about 1.5 hours.

The age and weight rules also matter before you book. Children under 7 are not permitted. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount. Riders must weigh no more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, and everyone must be able to mount by their own strength.

Who Should Book This Horse Ride?

I would point families toward this tour if their children are at least 7 and comfortable around horses. The calm animals, supplied clothing, and slower riding group make the activity approachable. It also works well for couples, solo visitors, and adults who want an active outing without committing to a full-day excursion.

Beginners are particularly well served. You receive instruction and support before riding, and the horses generally keep a steady rhythm along the trail. The guides can help you feel at ease, but no horse ride is completely risk-free. If you are very nervous around animals or cannot mount independently, choose another activity.

Experienced riders can enjoy the chance to ride an Icelandic horse in its home country, especially if they want to try the tölt. Just keep your expectations in check. The group format and safety rules mean this is not a private gallop across open country.

The tour also suits anyone with a tight Reykjavík schedule. The stable is close to the capital, and the activity takes 2 to 4 hours overall depending on your transfer and start time. You can fit it into a half-day, though you should leave room for pickup and changing.

Booking Details Worth Knowing

The tour has several starting times, so check availability for your date. Pickup is optional, and the activity ends back at the meeting point if you go directly to Íshestar. The full timing listed can range from 2 to 4 hours, while the actual ride is about 1.5 hours.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

The experience is available in English, German, and Icelandic. English guidance is standard, while German should be requested ahead of time. If you need pickup, confirm that your accommodation is a hotel or main guesthouse, since private apartments use a nearby designated point.

Should You Book the Íshestar Ride?

Book it if you want a well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses, volcanic scenery, and riding near Reykjavík. The strongest reasons are the patient staff, gentle horses, useful cold-weather clothing, and the chance to ride at a pace that matches your ability.

Skip it if you want a long backcountry ride, a private outing, or a guaranteed fast-paced session. At $141, it offers solid value for beginners and families, while experienced riders should consider the short trail time carefully. For most people who want to meet Icelandic horses and see lava fields without leaving the capital area, it is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the horse-riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík. You can also select optional pickup from certain hotels and main guesthouses.

How long is the actual horse ride?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 hours. The total activity takes roughly 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected start time and transportation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfer is optional rather than included in the basic activity. Pickup begins 60 minutes before departure and is available from hotels or main guesthouses.

What equipment is provided?

The stable provides riding helmets, rubber boots, warm overalls, and rainwear or a warm outfit during the ride.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners, and guides provide help before and during the ride. Groups may be divided by riding confidence so beginners can stay at a slower pace.

Can children participate?

Children must be at least 7 years old. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a 25 percent discount.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. All riders must also be able to mount the horse using their own strength.

Can I bring a backpack on the ride?

No. Backpacks and bags cannot be taken on the trail, but safety boxes are available at the riding centre for valuables.

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Icelandic. German should be requested in advance.